Optimize Your IT Workforce: When to Upskill and When to Replace

A keyboard with an optimization key as a representation on how leadership teams can optimize their team growth with Cordova

The technology space is always evolving—and fast. Yet, the past year has been a tricky one for the industry, with an economic situation the U.S. hasn’t seen since 2009. That said, recent research by Mercer shows that 98% of HR leaders report significant skill shortages within their companies. The pressure to maintain a highly skilled and adaptable workforce is more critical than ever. As economic downturns impact businesses, deciding whether to upskill existing teams or replace employees becomes increasingly complex.

The Benefits of Upskilling 

Upskilling your existing teams is a long-term investment that can significantly boost morale. In contrast, replacing workers can create a sense of job insecurity, leading to distrust, resentment, and increased turnover. 

By investing in professional development, you can:

  • Enhance Productivity: Employees who feel valued and supported are more likely to be motivated and engaged. Upskilling can equip them with the necessary tools and knowledge to perform their jobs more efficiently and effectively.
  • Stimulate Innovation: By encouraging employees to learn new skills, you can create a culture of innovation and problem-solving. This can lead to the development of new products, services, or processes that drive growth.
  • Retain Top Talent: Investing in employee development demonstrates your commitment to their career growth. This can help you retain your best people and reduce turnover costs.

When to Upskill VS When to Edit Your Team

To navigate these uncertain times effectively, it’s essential to balance upskilling existing employees and replacing those who may no longer align with the company’s goals.

When to Upskill

Upskilling is a strategic investment in your workforce. Consider it when:

  • Skill Gaps: Your employees need to gain the skills needed for current or future tasks.
  • Career Advancement: Employees consistently seek to progress within the company.
  • Organizational Goals: Your company is changing or pursuing new initiatives.

When to Replace

While upskilling is often beneficial, there are times when replacement is more appropriate:

  • Performance Issues: Employees consistently underperform or don’t align with company culture.
  • Redundancy: Roles become obsolete due to changing market conditions.
  • Strategic Misalignment: Employees’ skills must fit the company’s strategic direction.

Partnering with Cordova: A Strategic Solution

Cordova can provide a wide range of skilled professionals, from software developers to cybersecurity experts. This flexibility allows you to fill critical roles and scale your workforce quickly.

Moreover, partnering with Cordova can provide a cost-effective solution. By hiring temporary or contract workers, you can avoid the long-term commitment of full-time employment and reduce overhead costs. We also work with our Nearshore teams to offer more flexibility for your budgets in terms of talent acquisition. Lastly (but certainly not least), Cordova assists in support services such as payroll onboarding and consulting to ensure seamless integration of new hires.

To learn more about what our team can do for you, connect with us today on our website or LinkedIn!